Attachment for a toy

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a toy with attachments, such as pieces of armour as described in the preferred embodiments, which can be removed from the toy by striking with a projectile or otherwise actuating a detachment mechanism. A biasing means such as a spring or other resilient member causes the attachments to be forced away from the toy when released, to simulate an explosion, and may act to enhance attachment to the toy prior to actuation.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to the field of toys, and in particular attachments for toys that enable the simulation of an explosion or partial explosion responsive to a projectile impact. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided a toy having a plurality of armour portions configured to be ejected from surfaces of the toy when struck by a projectile.

BACKGROUND

There are a variety of toys known in the art that provide interaction by way of reacting to projectile impact or striking with an infrared light beam or similar. These typically react by detecting impact and providing an audible signal, such as an electronic recording or rendering of an explosion, responsive to the impact.

However, such toys are limited in excitement value and it is often difficult to conclusively determine, from a distance, whether and where impact or impingement has occurred. Some toys may also include reactive light displays or similar to indicate that contact has been made, however these lack a sense of realism and interest is quickly lost.

There are also a variety of toys known in the art that provide simulation of an explosion by mechanical or electronic means. For example, exploding bridges triggered by passing toy trains or exploding tanks which explode responsive to an impinging infrared light beam. The former type requires mechanical and/or electronic detection and subsequent actuation means. The latter also requires electronic detection and processing. As mentioned above, use of infrared light beams lacks a sense of realism. Furthermore, such toys still require mechanical actuation means such as rotating cams or the like to force parts of the tank outwards. Such toys can therefore be quite complex in their construction.

In addition to the limitations above, such toys are limited in that several expensive and/or complicated actuation and propulsion means may be necessary to provide the desired effect. As is often the case with toys, and in particular toys used for example in war games or play fights, they are prone to breakage. Toys with complicated mechanisms etc. are especially susceptible.

Furthermore, such toys depend greatly on battery power and as such may only be playable for short periods before new batteries or recharging is necessary.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are intended to obviate or at least mitigate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment for a toy, the attachment comprising: an attaching means for removably attaching the attachment to a surface of the toy; and a biasing means for biasing the attachment away from the surface of the toy; the attachment further comprising an actuation means configured to detach the attaching means from the surface of the toy when actuated, whereupon the biasing means propels the attachment away from the toy.

The invention provides an attachment for a toy, such as the armour portions described in the preferred embodiments, which can be removed from the toy by actuating an actuation means, such as striking a detachment mechanism with a projectile or similar. A biasing means, such as a spring or other resilient member, causes the pieces to be forced away from the toy when released, thus simulating an explosion. The invention therefore provides an increased sense of realism as an explosion requires, and is directly effected by, a physical impact.

Preferably, the attaching means comprises one or more clips on the attachment corresponding to one or more clip receiving portions on the surface of the toy. Alternatively, the attaching means comprises one or more clip receiving portions on the attachment corresponding to one or more clips on the surface of the toy.

Preferably, the one or more clip receiving portions comprise one or more apertures. Alternatively, the one or more clip receiving portions comprise one or more posts.

Preferably, the one or more clips and the one or more clip receiving portions are shaped so as to provide an interference fit.

Preferably, the one or more clips comprise converging engaging surfaces. Optionally, the relative angles of the engaging surfaces are selected to provide a predetermined connection strength.

Alternatively, the attaching means comprises one or more projections corresponding to one or more apertures, such as push-fit plugs.

Preferably, the attaching means is integrally formed with the attachment.

Optionally, the attaching means is configured to provide a predetermined attachment strength corresponding to a desired difficulty to detach the attachment.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises a spring member. Preferably, the spring member is integrally formed with the attachment. Most preferably, the spring member extends away from the attachment and is configured to be compressed between the attachment and the surface of the toy.

Optionally, the biasing means is shaped so as to control a direction in which the attachment is propelled away from the toy. Optionally, the biasing means is configured so as to provide a predetermined propulsion strength when the attachment is detached from the toy.

Optionally, the biasing means is further configured to urge the attaching means towards the surface of the toy when attached to the toy. Optionally, the biasing means urges the attaching means towards the surface of the toy about a pivot point formed between the attachment and the toy.

Most preferably, the biasing means is configured to hold a portion of the attachment spaced from the surface of the toy to provide the actuation means. Most preferably, the biasing means and/or the attaching means are configured such that displacement of said portion of the attachment towards the surface of the toy detaches the attaching means from the toy.

Optionally, the distance between the biasing means and the attaching means is selected so as to provide a predetermined resistance to detachment of the attaching means.

Optionally, the attachment comprises an armour portion. Alternatively, the attachment comprises a figure. Yet further alternatively, the attachment comprises a toy laser cannon.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy comprising one or more attachments according to the first aspect.

Most preferably, the toy comprises a plurality of attachments according to the first aspect.

Preferably, the attachments comprise a plurality of shapes and/or sizes of attachment.

Preferably, the attachments are disposed at various locations on the surface of the toy.

Preferably, the attachments are configured to be removable by different predetermined actuation forces.

Optionally, one or more attachments are configured to receive at least one other attachment.

Preferably, the toy comprises a projectile launcher. Most preferably, the toy comprises a remote control configured to control locomotion of the toy and/or firing of the projectile launcher.

Optionally, the toy comprises one or more sensors configured to determine when an attachment has been removed. Optionally, the toy is configured to emit an audible signal responsive to a determination that an attachment has been removed. Optionally, the toy is configured to be disabled when a predetermined number of attachments have been removed.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features corresponding to features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a toy and one or more attachments according to the first aspect.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features corresponding to features of the first or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy set comprising a plurality of toys according to the second aspect.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features corresponding to features of the first, second or third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates in schematic form a cross-section through an armour portion and a corresponding body portion prior to attachment of the armour portion to said body portion;

FIG. 2 illustrates in schematic form a cross-section through the armour portion and the body portion of FIG. 1 subsequent to attachment of the armour portion to the body portion;

FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic form a projectile striking the armour portion of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates in schematic form a cross-section through the armour portion of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 as it is ejected from the body portion subsequent to being struck by the projectile of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 illustrates in schematic form a toy with exploding armour comprising a plurality of differently shaped armour portions and corresponding body portions, and a projectile launcher to launch projectiles at like toys.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The attachment and detachment of an armoured portion 3 of a toy will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4. FIG. 1 shows a portion 5 of the body of a toy in cross-section. In this example the body portion 5 is a moveable leg of a larger walking toy, such as depicted in FIG. 5, to which an armour portion 3 is to be attached. The body portion can be seen to comprise two apertures 7 a and 7 b, forming an armour attachment area 7.

The apertures 7 a and 7 b correspond to clips 9 a and 9 b of the armour portion 3, and are located and sized so as to receive said clips 9 a and 9 b. The clips 9 a and 9 b are shaped such that when they are inserted into the apertures 7 a and 7 b, as shown in FIG. 2, the clips 9 a and 9 b act to hold the armour portion 3 in place. An interference fit is formed between the clips and the part of the body portion located between the apertures.

The armour portion 3 also comprises a spring member 8, which is a resilient portion of the armour portion 3 that, as shown in FIG. 1, curves away from the armour portion 3 itself When the armour portion 3 is clipped onto the body portion 5, as shown in FIG. 2, the spring member 8 is compressed between the body portion 5 and the armour portion 3 and provides a bias force on the armour portion 3 away from the body portion 5.

The spring member 8 and clips 9 a and 9 b are integrally formed in a single piece which is glued or otherwise affixed to the armour portion 53 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. However, it will be appreciated that the spring member and the clips may be separately attached or indeed integrally formed with the armour portion.

Note that in the presently described embodiment it is particularly advantageous that the surfaces of the clips that engage the body portion comprise converging sloping portions that (if extended) would intersect, so as to hold the armour portion in position (see inset of FIG. 1). The angled internal surfaces of the apertures correspond to the angled sloping portions of the clips. As an alternative, the apertures could be replaced with contact points or posts to which the armour portion can be clipped, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bias force produced by the compressed spring member 8 acts around a pivot point created at the point of contact between the upper clip 9 a and upper aperture 7 a. This urges the lower clip 9 b into and against the inner surface of lower aperture 7 b, increasing the effectiveness of the attachment provided by clips 9 a and 9 b to the body portion 5.

Of course the skilled person will realise that an equivalent effect might be achieved by use of one or more push-fit plugs or the like, and that the rotational force effected by the spring member 8 need not contribute substantially to the effectiveness of the attachment. As an alternative, clips may be provided on the body portion and clip receiving portions provided on the armour portion.

In the attached configuration shown in FIG. 2, the armour portion 3 is attached to the body portion 5, but an upper portion 3 a of the armour portion 3 can be seen to be held away from the body portion 5. This upper portion 3 a corresponds to an actuation zone which, if struck for example with a projectile, is actuable to propel the armour portion 3 away from the body portion 5 to simulate an explosion.

FIG. 3 illustrates the moment at which a projectile 6 strikes the actuation zone of the armour portion. The impact of the projectile 6 pushes the upper portion 3 a of the armour portion 3 towards the body portion 5. This causes a rotation of the armour portion, again around the pivot point created at the point of contact between the upper clip 9 a and upper aperture 7 a, which releases the lower clip 9 b from aperture 7 b. At this point, the attachment provided by clips 9 a and 9 b is no longer effective and as illustrated in FIG. 4 the spring member 8 propels the armour portion 3 away from the body portion 5.

The armour portion 3 is propelled away from the body portion 5 with a force proportional to the strength of the spring member 8. In the described embodiment, the spring member 8 is illustrated as being integrally formed in a single piece with clips 9 a and 9 b although it will readily be appreciated that the same effect may be provided by any equivalent resilient member or spring (integrally formed or separately attached). Therefore, the armour portion can be made to fly away from the body portion, or simply fall to the ground depending on the desired effect.

Note that the proximity of the contact point between the spring member 8 and the attachment point (in this case provided by clips 9 a and 9 b) affects the ease with which the impact will release the armour portion 3. Accordingly, the strength of the spring member 8 (or equivalent resilient means), the location of the contact point with the body portion 5, as well as characteristics and configurations of the clips 9 a and 9 b (or equivalent attachment means) such as the angles of the engaging surfaces, can be used to determine the strength of impact that is required to cause a particular armour portion 3 to be detached and propelled away from the body portion.

It is therefore envisaged that in a deployment of such armour portions on a toy different impact strengths may be required in order to remove different armour portions. For example, smaller armour portions or armour portions on less significant areas may be made easier to remove than larger armour portions or armour portions on key areas.

FIG. 5 illustrates a toy 51 comprising a number of exploding armour portions 53 disposed at various locations 55 and in various shapes. As described above, the spring portions may take differing forms and by way of example the spring member 58 b of armour portion 53 b is curved in the opposite sense to the spring member 58 a of armour portion 53 a. Such differing forms may also determine the direction in which the armour portions 53 are propelled away from the corresponding body portions 55. Armour portion 53 c is shown in place on body portion 55 c, a configuration in which the spring member (not shown) is compressed therebetween and the armour portion 53 c effectively primed.

The toy 51 further includes a projectile launcher 60 which launches projectiles 56, and the toy is controllable via remote control 61 that governs locomotion of the toy 51 as well as controlling the projectile launcher 60. A number of such toys 51 can therefore be employed in play warfare between two or more users, whereupon each user will attempt to remove the armour portions 53 from opposing users' toys by firing projectiles 56 at them. Removal of armour portions 53 in simulated explosions is effected by the propulsive force of the spring members 58.

Armour portions 53 that have been detached serve as a useful visual indication of when and where the toy 51 has been struck. Furthermore, it is envisaged that sensors may be provided to determine when armour portions 53 have been removed. Explosion sounds may be played in response, to add to the simulation effect, and the number of removed armour portions 53 may be tracked and, for example, the toy 51 deactivated once all armour portions 53 (or perhaps the armour portion relating to a key part of the toy 51) have been removed. Armour portions 53 that have become detached during play can thereafter be easily reattached for subsequent plays.

It is also envisaged that armour portions 3 or 53 could be deployed in cascade; i.e. wherein one armour portion 3 or 53 effectively acts as a body portion 5 or 55 for a subsequent armour portion. In such a cascade, armour portions may be deployed in descending attachment strengths to allow progressive removal of armour portions with successive projectile strikes.

While the invention has been illustrated using the example of exploding armour portions that are designed to be ejected from the surface of an object when struck with a projectile, it shall be readily apparent to the skilled person that the invention applies equally to any component of a toy or product where it is desirable to have a piece pop off upon impact, for example, a toy laser turret atop a model fortress, or guard figures located along a wall of a toy castle. The strength of impact required to cause detachment and propelling (i.e. simulating explosion or the like) can be controlled as described above. For example, larger features or figures may be made to require a greater impact to remove them.

Furthermore, references to the relative terms upper and lower are for the purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the orientation or configuration of any attachment means or other features of the invention. For example, the armour portion described in FIGS. 1 to 4 is shown in a first orientation and in FIG. 5 in a second orientation, effectively an upside-down version of the first. Accordingly, there is no limitation on how such exploding portions should be attached, and such attachments may dispose the armour portions in a horizontal or indeed diagonal orientation.

The invention provides a toy with attachments, such as pieces of armour as described in the preferred embodiments, which can be removed from the toy by striking with a projectile or otherwise actuating a detachment mechanism. A biasing means such as a spring or other resilient member causes the attachments to be forced away from the toy when released, to simulate an explosion, and may act to enhance attachment to the toy prior to actuation.

Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms ‘comprise’ or ‘include’, or variations such as ‘comprises’ or ‘comprising’, ‘includes’ or ‘including’ will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as herein intended, and embodiments of the invention may include combinations of features other than those expressly claimed. 

1. An attachment for a toy, the attachment comprising: an attaching means for removably attaching the attachment to a surface of the toy; and a biasing means for biasing the attachment away from the surface of the toy; the attachment further comprising an actuation means configured to detach the attaching means from the surface of the toy when actuated, whereupon the biasing means propels the attachment away from the toy.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attaching means comprises one or more clips on the attachment corresponding to one or more clip receiving portions on the surface of the toy or comprises one or more clip receiving portions on the attachment corresponding to one or more clips on the surface of the toy.
 4. The attachment according to claim 2, wherein the one or more clip receiving portions comprise one or more apertures.
 5. The attachment according to claim 2, wherein the one or more clip receiving portions comprise one or more posts.
 6. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein the one or more clips and the one or more clip receiving portions are shaped so as to provide an interference fit.
 7. The attachment according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of clips having converging engaging surfaces.
 8. The attachment according to claim 7, wherein the relative angles of the engaging surfaces are selected to provide a predetermined connection strength.
 9. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attaching means comprises one or more projections corresponding to one or more apertures, such as push-fit plugs.
 10. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attaching means is integrally formed with the attachment.
 11. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attaching means is configured to provide a predetermined attachment strength corresponding to a desired difficulty to detach the attachment.
 12. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the biasing means comprises a spring member.
 13. The attachment according to claim 12, wherein the spring member is integrally formed with the attachment.
 14. The attachment according to claim 12, wherein the spring member extends away from the attachment and is configured to be compressed between the attachment and the surface of the toy.
 15. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the biasing means is shaped so as to control a direction in which the attachment is propelled away from the toy.
 16. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the biasing means is configured so as to provide a predetermined propulsion strength when the attachment is detached from the toy.
 17. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the biasing means is further configured to urge the attaching means towards the surface of the toy when attached to the toy.
 18. The attachment according to claim 17, wherein the biasing means urges the attaching means towards the surface of the toy about a pivot point formed between the attachment and the toy.
 19. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the biasing means is configured to hold a portion of the attachment spaced from the surface of the toy to provide the actuation means.
 20. The attachment according to claim 19, wherein the biasing means and/or the attaching means are configured such that displacement of said portion of the attachment towards the surface of the toy detaches the attaching means from the toy.
 21. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the biasing means and the attaching means is selected so as to provide a predetermined resistance to detachment of the attaching means.
 22. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises an armour portion.
 23. A toy comprising one or more attachments according to claim
 1. 24. (canceled)
 25. The toy according to claim 23, wherein the attachments comprise a plurality of shapes and/or sizes of attachment.
 26. The toy according to claim 23, wherein the attachments are disposed at various locations on the surface of the toy.
 27. The toy according to claim 23, wherein the attachments are configured to be removable by different predetermined actuation forces.
 28. The toy according to claim 23, wherein one or more attachments are configured to receive at least one other attachment.
 29. The toy according to claim 23, wherein the toy comprises a projectile launcher.
 30. The toy according to claim 23, wherein the toy comprises a remote control configured to control locomotion of the toy and/or firing of the projectile launcher.
 31. The toy according to claim 23, wherein the toy comprises one or more sensors configured to determine when an attachment has been removed.
 32. The toy according to claim 31, wherein the toy is configured to emit an audible signal responsive to a determination that an attachment has been removed.
 33. The toy according to claim 31, wherein the toy is configured to be disabled when a predetermined number of attachments have been removed.
 34. A kit of parts comprising a toy and one or more attachments according to claim
 1. 35. A toy set comprising a plurality of toys according to claim
 23. 